Two aspects about this job concerned Maverick. First, Ella had opened the event to the public and, second, she was an independent thinker and a strong-willed woman who spoke her mind. She used her voice to empower women, especially other black women, to follow their vision and live their dream. Not everyone was an admirer or supporter of Qualitation and its founder. For that reason, Maverick and his team were committed to ensuring the events went off without a hitch and that Ella and her team stayed safe.
Gunner arrived next, also driving a ThunderStrike SUV. Maverick walked over to meet him. “Good weekend?”
“Yeah. How was the funeral?”
“Hard to bury a friend.”
“Always is.”
Penelope and Trevon Williams rolled in at the same time, each driving a ThunderStrike vehicle.
“Morning.” Trevon extended his hand. “Good to have you back in command.”
Maverick shook it. “Great to be back.” He eyed each of his teammates. “You three doing okay this morning?”
“Yes, sir,” Trevon said. “I’m looking forward to this.”
“Absolutely.” Gunner tipped his shades and peered at Maverick. “I’m glad Ms. Kayson didn’t cancel.”
“Me, too,” Penelope said.
“Before we secure the perimeter, let’s check our comms.” After completing a sound check, Maverick said, “Let’s get started. Penelope, you’re with me. We’ll clear the perimeter of this building and the one called North. You two take South and West.”
“Meet you back here,” Gunner said. “Once the building opens, I’ll set up on the roof.”
Unlike hostage rescue missions, where they’re loaded down with protective gear and weapons, today’s uniform was a breeze. Dark suit, dress shirt, dark shoes, dark shades. Ties were required for men, optional for women. Beneath everyone’s clothing lay a bulletproof vest. Their Glocks were tucked into their waist holsters. Only Gunner used a sniper rifle.
They retrieved their explosive trace detectors and split up. Maverick and Penelope circled the North building checking for anything out of place. A piece of PVC pipe, a small package, even a trash bag. He spotted a brown paper bag beneath a picnic bench. He knelt, ran the detector strip over the outside of the bag, then inserted the strip into the detector. Someone’s lunch remains.
“Clear.” He tossed the bag in the trash.
After completing their exterior building sweeps, Maverick glanced over at his partner. Penelope hadn’t uttered a word.
He slowed to a stop. “What’s going on with you?”
“Nothing.”
He furrowed his brow. “That’s a load of crap. Talk to me. If you’re not up for today’s assignment—”
Her expression fell. “Someone leaked the timeline of our mission.”
“Which mission?”
“The one that landed you at that senate hearing.” She shook her head. “I read an article and it got to me.”
“There’s been press about us before.”
“The writer concluded that if I’d arrived at the extraction site according to plan, you and Gunner wouldn’t have gotten shot.” She paused. “I can’t argue that fact. It’s tough to swallow my part in what happened to you two.”
Maverick had little time to determine whether she was clear-headed for their assignment. If she weren’t, he’d have to replace her, pronto. He slid a hand into his pants pocket and relaxed his stance. “Why didn’t you call me?”
“I was with Gunner when you texted him at Hudson’s last week. I was worried something had gone wrong with one of our overseas missions, so I called him when he left. He told me a SEAL teammate had died. I couldn’t pile on about a stupid article.” She broke eye contact. “But it got me thinking…maybe I should step down.”
Oh, boy. She’s coming unglued. “We’ve always done our best when we face issues together as a cohesive team. I would hate for you to bail on me…or on yourself.” Maverick offered an encouraging smile. “Here’s how I see it. You did find a way to land that bird under extreme conditions, and you did get us both out. Alive.” He tossed her a nod. “Keep in mind that writer didn’t have to make any split-second decisions about whether or not to abort a rescue mission or find a secondary landing location. That person got to review everything from the comfort and safety of a computer. You’re the best at your job and you love what you do. That’s what counts.”
Her expression lifted, her eyes brightening. “Thank you.”
“Now, stop reading that garbage, will ya?”